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Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of affable Dwayne Cunningham, an affable former Ringling Bros. circus clown, had worked with the Rosaires at the Big Cat Habitat and served prison time for reptile smuggling. Lane Brown, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2024 The coming-of-age story boasted a noteworthy ensemble, including Zoe Saldaña, Taryn Manning and Kim Cattrall, with Shonda Rhimes debuting her first screenplay — but despite Spears’ affable charm translating well to the silver screen, the movie didn’t hit the mark with critics. James Dinh, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2024 Thompson is an affable former television weatherman, but has established himself as one of the most conservative lawmakers with high-profile questioning of climate science and election integrity. USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024 Ke Huy Quan plays an affable realtor with a dark secret in the upcoming action film Love Hurts (previously titled With Love), and Entertainment Weekly has your exclusive first look. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affable 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable
Adjective
  • Schneider Electric's products and services remain unaffected.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
  • If the exemptions apply solely to income taxes, Social Security and Medicare would remain unaffected.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Jonathan and his team were all very, very, very gracious.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Oct. 2024
  • Even with this common sense stowed away somewhere in our brains, gracious hosts can't help but want everything to be as close to perfect as possible for their guests (yes, even in the rooms no one will enter).
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As new people are sewn into the quilt of New Orleans—like the immigrants from Latin America who have helped pull the city back together since 2006—the most generous and hospitable traditions of New Orleans are passed on to a new generation.
    Joshua Carlucci, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
  • As its name suggests, copper IUDs include copper, a material that makes the uterus a less hospitable place for sperm.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • As with a tombstone in the mergers-and-acquisitions business, there is an insider lingua franca that casual followers wouldn’t know.
    Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024
  • This strap offers a sporty and casual appearance, ensuring maximum comfort during physical activities and contributing to the watch's ultra-lightweight design (total weight with this strap: 49.5 grams).
    Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Both the characters and the audience quickly understand that this is not going to be a simple task nor a pleasant journey.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The stepmom shared her story of pursuing a peaceful, pleasant holiday on Reddit Comments A stepmom is caught in the middle of an awkward holiday dynamic.
    Angela Andaloro, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Starbucks Christmas blend: Introduced in 1984, Christmas blend features a combination of Latin American beans and mellow Indonesian coffees with the addition of spicy Sumatra beans that were aged for three to five years.
    Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 17 Nov. 2024
  • The Starbucks Christmas Blend returns for the 40th year, according to the company, and combines Latin American beans and mellow Indonesian coffees.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Build your authority on LinkedIn: strategies from leading coaches Share client transformations with meaning Stories are nice, but including client wins inspires action.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • The Panthers defense should provide a nice opportunity for a big game.
    Andy Scholes, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • However, Whittaker is one of the most easygoing and likable fighters in the sport.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • But Tim is so easygoing, and all those moments have still ended in kisses.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near affable

Cite this Entry

“Affable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affable. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on affable

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